Excercising device with hip-mounted weights

ABSTRACT

A device for securing weights to the waist of a user is herein disclosed. The device includes a core to which is attached one or more weight supports. The weight supports are secured to the core by means of welding, adhesives, over-molding, and riveting. A cover may be provided over the core. A closure mechanism secures the core around the waist of a user. Weights may be secured on the weight supports by means of a locking mechanism. Exercise, and particularly leg exercise, undertaken using the present invention results in less stress being placed on the back and abdominal muscles. Use of the present invention also allows for a number of upper body exercises to be carried out.

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a device for facilitating leg exercisesin a safe manner and more particularly to a device for securing weightsused in performing leg exercises to the hip region of a user.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Leg exercises such a standard squat, wide squat, front lunge, sidelunge, standing calf raise, or a donkey calf raise are very effective indeveloping strength and endurance in the legs. In addition to exercisingthe legs themselves, such activities also exercise the abdominalmuscles, the anterior chest and neck muscles, and the back extensor andposterior neck muscles. These muscles stabilize the trunk and head.However, the traditional means of applying weight resistance during asquat exercise by way of a weight bar supported by the neck andshoulders or by way of hand held dumbbells creates a long lever arm forposture maintenance and torso stabilization. The resulting strain on theback and neck is proportionate with the amount of resistance applied,multiplied by the distance from the center of gravity, thereby creatinga great demand on these muscles and joints. The potential for injury andaggravation of existing mechanical joint dysfunction or muscle imbalanceis eminent.

Accordingly, there is a need for a device that will facilitate theattachment of weights directly to the hips of a user so that strain onthe neck, back, and abdominal muscles may be minimized. Furthermore,there is a need for a device that can also facilitate the use of weightsin performing such exercises as dips, bench dips, wide grip pull-ups,close grip pull-ups, and pushups.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above identified needs are met in an exercise device having a corewith at least one weight support affixed thereto. The core is wrapped atleast partially about the waist of a user at or near the ileac crest ofthe user and secured in place by a closure mechanism. Weights may besecured on the weight supports by a locking device. The exercise deviceacts to couple the weights directly to the waist of the user, therebyreducing the strain on the user's back and abdominal muscles that mightotherwise occur where the weights are supported in the user's hands oron the user's shoulders.

These and other objects, aspects, features and advantages of the presentinvention will become more fully apparent upon careful consideration ofthe following Detailed Description of the Invention and the accompanyingDrawings, which may be disproportionate for ease of understanding,wherein like structure and steps are referenced generally bycorresponding numerals and indicators.

The invention further provides methods and apparatus of varying scope.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of one embodiment of the exercise deviceof the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the exercise device takenalong cutting lines 2-2 in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a schematic close up view of an embodiment of the exercisedevice that includes a two part closure mechanism;

FIG. 4 is a schematic close up view of another embodiment of theexercise device that includes a two part closure mechanism;

FIG. 5 is a schematic close up view of an embodiment of the exercisedevice that includes a hook and loop fastener as a closure mechanism;

FIG. 6 is a schematic close up view of another embodiment of theexercise device that includes a hook and loop fastener as a closuremechanism;

FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet another embodiment ofthe exercise device wherein the weight support is over molded with thecore of the exercise device;

FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of one more embodiment of theexercise device wherein the weight support is secured to the core of theexercise device by a bolt; and,

FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of yet one more embodiment ofthe exercise device wherein the weight support is secured to the core bya weld.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference ismade to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof and in whichis shown, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. In the drawings, like numerals describesubstantially similar components throughout the several views. Theseembodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilledin the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilizedand structural, logical, and electrical changes may be made withoutdeparting from the scope of the present invention.

Turning first to FIG. 1, one embodiment of an exercise device 10according to the present invention can be seen. In general, the exercisedevice is made up of a relatively stiff yet flexible core 12, aprotective cover 14, at least one weight support 16, and a closuremechanism 18. The core 12 of the belt is typically between about two andsix inches in width and between about {fraction (1/16)}″ and ¼″ inthickness. It is to be understood however, that the material from whichthe core 12 is made may affect its dimensions. The dimensions of thecore 12 may be uniform over the length of the core 12 or may varycontinuously or discontinuously over its length. The core 12 is ofsufficient length to allow for wrapping the belt around the waist of auser. The core 12 itself may be made of a solid, molded or extrudedmaterial, a composite material having a mesh substrate over which ismolded a rubber, vinyl, or equivalent flexible material, a stiff naturalmaterial such as leather, or a metallic material having a suitableflexibility and toughness for the application. In any case, thestructure of the core 12 must be adapted to be sufficiently flexible towrap about the waist of a user and strong and stiff enough to supportthe weight support(s) 16 and any weights W mounted thereon. In oneparticular embodiment, the core 10 is made of a durable compositebelting of a type commonly utilized for power transmission inagricultural and industrial equipment.

In some embodiments, the core 12 will be enclosed within a cover 14 thatmay be sewn, adhered, or over molded onto the core 12. In otherembodiments, the composite nature of the core 12 will be such that acover 14 will not be necessary. Where, as in the embodiment illustratedin FIG. 1, a cover 14 is provided as part of the device 10, the covermay be made of a sturdy woven or unwoven material that will withstandthe hard use commonly experienced by exercise equipment. In oneparticular embodiment, the cover 14 is fashioned of a heavy, woven nylonmaterial. The cover 14 may also include, where desired, padding and/orabsorbent materials (not shown).

The device 10 is provided with a closure mechanism 18 that secures thedevice 10 about the hips of a user. In the embodiment illustrated inFIG. 1, the closure mechanism 18 may be a standard metallic or plasticbelt buckle 20 having a rotatable arm that engages a hole (not shown)formed in the end of the device 10 opposite the end to which the buckle20 is attached. In another embodiment, the device 10 may be providedwith a clip type closure mechanism 18 having a male end 21 a and afemale end 21 b wherein the male and female ends are secured to thedevice 10 at or near the distal ends thereof. See FIG. 3. In such anembodiment, the male and female portions of the clip-type closuremechanism 18 may be secured directly to the device 10 but are morepreferably secured using a strap or straps 23 that facilitate theadjustment of the combined length of the device 10. Alternatively, thecore 12 of the device 10 may be long enough to wrap entirely around thewaist of a user. In this case, the male and female portions 21 a, 21 bof the clip-type closure mechanism 18 may be secured to the core 12 ofthe device 10 at a distance form the terminal ends of the device 10,again, preferably by means of one or more straps. The straps used tosecure a closure mechanism 18 to the device 10 may be adjusted in amanner well known in the art.

In yet another embodiment, the closure mechanism 18 may include a hookand loop type fastener 25 constructed and arranged to secure the distalends of the device 10 to one another in an overlapping fashion. In avariation of the hook and loop type closure mechanism, one end of thedevice may be provided with a loop or D-ring type structure 27 throughwhich the opposing distal end of the device 10 is passed and doubledback upon itself to be secured in that attitude by means of a hook andloop type fastener. In any case, it is desirable to provide a closuremechanism 18 that facilitates the adjustment of the length of the device10 and that is secure when closed.

One or more weight supports 16 are secured to the device 10 to securethereto weights W. The weight supports 16 are secured to the core 12 ofthe device 10 to support the weights W in a substantially rigid manner.When properly employed, the device 10 should secure the weights W to thewaist of a user in such a manner that there is little or no movement ofthe weights W with respect to the waist of the user. This will preventchafing and will prevent the user from being unbalanced by unexpectedshifting of the weights W.

A weight support 16 includes a generally tubular post 22 that is securedat its base end to the core 12 of the device 10. Where the core 12 ismetal, the post 22 may be welded to the core 12. However, where the core12 is of an extruded, molded, natural, or composite material, care mustbe take to secure the post 22 to the core 12 in a secure manner. In oneembodiment, the post 22 is provided with a flange 24 at its base that isadhered, riveted, or sewn to the core 12. See FIG. 2. In anotherembodiment, the post 22 may be over-molded with a molding material 29 tosecure the post 22 to the core 12. See FIG. 7. Note that an over-moldingmaterial 29 may take the place of a cover 14. In yet another embodiment,the post 22 may have a threaded bore 31 formed in a base end thereofthat receives a bolt 32 passed through the core 12. See FIG. 8. In thisembodiment, it will be desirable to provide one or more washers 34 todisperse the clamping forces induced by the bolt over a larger area ofthe core. FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the weight support 16having a post 22 that is welded to a metallic core 12.

In one embodiment, the posts 22 of the weight supports 16 are generallycylindrical and preferably sized to hold either standard weights (around1″ in diameter) or Olympic style weights (around 2″ in diameter). Alocking mechanism 26 is provided to hold weights W onto the tubes duringuse. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 26 may be something assimple as a cotter pin or the like passed through the tube, either aloneor in conjunction with a washer type structure (not shown). In anotherembodiment, the locking mechanism 26 may also include a standard collarthat slides onto the posts 22 that is secured by a set screw threadedinto the collar. Yet another embodiment may include a spring whose coilsdefine a bore sized to slide over the post 22 when the spring iscompressed and which clamps the post 22 firmly to secure the weights Wthereon when the spring is in an uncompressed state.

In use, the exercise device 10 is wrapped about the waist of a user andsecured in place using the closure mechanism 18. The device 10 is to bemounted in such a manner that it is snug around the user's waist and hasno free movement. Preferably, the device 10 will be located over andadjacent to the ileac crest so that weights W placed thereon will betransferred directly the pelvis of the user. What is more, the device 10will also provide support for the user's back and abdominal muscles.

Once the device 10 has been properly secured about the user's waist atand around the ileac crests of the user's pelvis, selected weights W areplaced over the posts 22 of the weight supports 16. A locking mechanism26 is placed on each of the posts 22 to secure the weights W thereon.

Preferably, the device 10 will be secured to the waist of the user insuch a manner as to position the weight supports 16 symmetrically aroundthe user's waist. However, where a particular exercise, therapy, orrehabilitation activity so requires, the device 10 may be arranged toasymmetrically position the weight supports 16 around the user's waist.Note that for any given embodiment of the device 10, the core 12 thereofwill have a set weight limit that is directly related to the core'sability to withstand deflections due to the presence of weights W on theweight supports 16. Preferably, the weight limit for the weight supports16 will be set at a weight that is lower than a load that willsignificantly deflect the core 12 of the device 10. Significantdeflections of the core 12 of the device 10 can lead to chafing,bruising, and an increased risk that the weights W will work against thelocking mechanism 26 and accidentally fall off the posts 22 of thedevice 10.

Once the device 10 is properly attached to the user and the appropriateweights W are secured to the device 10, the user may then engage in thedesired exercise.

Conclusion

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only bythe following claims and equivalents thereof.

1. A device for supporting the back and abdominal muscles of a userduring exercise and simultaneously securing weights to the waist of theuser, the device comprising: an elongate core having a length sufficientto extend at least partially around the waist of the user, a widthsufficient to provide structural support to the back and abdominalmuscles of a user when emplaced about the waist of the user, and arigidity sufficient to allow the core to be conformed to the waist ofthe user while still providing support to the back and abdominal musclesof the user; at least one post having a base end and a distal end, thebase end of the at least one post secured to the core and the distal endof the at least one post extending laterally from the core, the postbeing constructed and arranged to support a weight by transferring theload of the weight to the core and hence to the waist of the user; and,a closure member for securing the respective ends of the core to oneanother, thereby securing the device to the waist of the user.
 2. Thedevice of claim 1 wherein the core is fashioned from a composite beltingmaterial.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the closure member is chosenfrom a group consisting of a buckle mechanism having a movable arm thatengages a hole formed in an end of the device, a two part releasableclip having a male portion and a female portion, and a hook and loopfastener.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the post is secured to thecore using a mechanism chosen from a group consisting of riveting,adhesives, sewing, and over-molding.
 5. The device of claim 1 furthercomprising a locking mechanism for retaining a weight on the post.
 6. Adevice for securing weights to the waist of a user comprising: anelongate core having a first end and a second end; at least one weightsupport affixed to the core; and, a closure mechanism constructed andarranged to secure the core about the waist of a user.
 7. The device ofclaim 6 comprising one weight support.
 8. The device of claim 7 whereinthe weight support is located generally opposite the closure mechanism.9. The device of claim 6 comprising two weight supports.
 10. The deviceof claim 9 wherein the two weight supports are located generallysymmetrically with respect to one another and to the closure mechanism.11. The device of claim 6 further comprising a cover applied around theexterior of the core.
 12. The device of claim 6 wherein the weightsupport comprises a post that is secured to the core at its base end byan attachment means.
 13. The device of claim 6 wherein the weightsupport comprises a post secured to the core at a base end thereof by anattachment structure selected from a group consisting of a flange, arivet, a bolt, a weld, and an over-mold.
 14. The device of claim 6wherein the core comprises a material selected from a group consistingof a composite material, a metal strap, a leather strap, an extrudedmaterial, and a molded material.
 15. The device of claim 6 wherein theclosure mechanism further comprises an adjustable strap secured at oneend thereof to the core and at its other end to the closure mechanism.16. The device of claim 6 wherein the closure mechanism furthercomprises a two part clip having a male portion and a female portion.17. A method of reducing strain on back and abdominal muscles during legexercise with weights comprising: providing an exercise device thatcomprises an elongate core having a first end and a second end, at leastone weight support affixed to the core, and a closure mechanismconstructed and arranged to secure the core about the waist of a user;securing the exercise device about the waist of a user at about thelevel of the ileac crest of the user; and, placing a predeterminedamount of weight on the at least one weight support, the exercise devicecoupling the weights directly to the waist of the user.
 18. The methodof claim 17 further comprising: performing an exercise chosen from agroup consisting of a standard squat, wide squat, front lunge, sidelunge, standing calf raise, and donkey calf raise.
 19. The method ofclaim 17 further comprising: performing upper body exercises chosen froma group consisting of dips, bench dips, wide grip pull-ups, close grippull-ups, and pushups.